In 1993, he established the Michael Bolton Foundation (now Michael Bolton Charities) to assist women and children at risk from the effects of poverty as well as emotional, physical, and sexual abuse.[19] The foundation has provided over US$3.7 million in funding to local and national charities.

Bolton also serves as the honorary chairman of Prevent Child Abuse America,[20] the national chairman for This Close for Cancer Research,[21] and a board member for the National Mentoring Partnership[22] and the Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital.[23]

In March 2003, Bolton joined with Lifetime Television, Verizon Wireless, and many others to lobby on behalf of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence,[24] urging legislation to provide more assistance for victims of domestic violence, such as affordable housing options.

Bolton has received the Lewis Hine Award from the National Child Labor Committee, the Martin Luther King Award from the Congress of Racial Equality, and the Ellis Island Medal of Honor from the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations.[25] The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce[26] also recognized Bolton with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his musical and charitable contributions.

Poor Squig. Those girls are horrid. Pointing out you see "The Michael Bolton" guy is fine but just ignoring Squig as he speaks is really rude. Now he just has to admit he's a fan and go find over fans. Don't worry Squig, there's a place for you, somewhere a place for you.